Roy Nelson Mayhew, 78, Lawrence, died at his home on Saturday, February 19, 2011.
A celebration of life will be held in Lawrence on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the American Legion from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Graveside services to be held at the Deer Creek Cemetery, Marshall County and a celebration of life will be held in Marysville, at a later date. Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home will have information regarding upcoming services when available.
Roy was born October 16, 1932 on the family farm north of Marysville, Kansas, the son of Ray and Zilpha Mayhew. The youngest of seven children. He went to school at District 69 through the eighth grade and attended high school in Marysville, graduating in 1950.
In September 1950 he started to work for the Davey Tree Expert Company until his induction into the Army in 1953.
After radio communications training at Fort Riley, Kansas, he spent 16 months in Korea.
In 1955 he was hired on with the Kansas Highway Department and stayed on with the department for 39 years 4 months, retiring in August 1994.
Roy met his future wife, Maxine, in Seneca in the spring of 1955. They were married on Friday, July 13, 1956 and celebrated 54 years together.
He enjoyed woodworking as his hobby. He also liked to travel by driving and seeing the sights of America.
Roy is survived by his wife, Maxine, his son Monte and wife Jenny, Florida, his daughter Debra and husband Scott, Maryland, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, four step-grandchildren, and his brother Leslie, Lincoln, Nebraska. He enjoyed the company and love of 36 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers; Dale and Everett and 3 sisters; Zelma Daily, Correne Corey, and Ada Heaton.
Contributions in his name can be sent to: Audio-Reader, 1120 West 11th Street, P.O. Box 847, Lawrence, Kansas 66044 or Douglas County Visiting Nurses, Rehabilitation & Hospice, 200 Maine Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Maxine & family…..you probably don’t remember me as I worked with Roy in the Marysville office 40 yrs ago. Roy was one of the nicest, most even tempered fellows I ever knew. I haven’t seen him since probably 1973 or so, but will always remember him. I was saddened to hear of his passing and you certainly have our deepest sympathy.
Jerry & Nancy (Overman) Williams
I am one of those 36 nieces and nephews. Our Uncle Roy was a special man. He will be so missed at our reunions. God bless you Maxine, Debbie, and Monte. I send my love.
Deb, Thinking of you and your family and sending my condolences at this time. May God bless.
Dear Deb,
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My condolences and thoughts are with you, your mother and brother, during this difficult time. Cherish the memories, I’ve found them to be a great source of wisdom and guidance as I have learnt to live without my parents.
To the Mayhew Family,
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34;18) He has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) With deepest sympathy,
Maxine,
I was so sorry to hear about Roy. I have been thinking about you and will keep you in my prayers.
Maxine, Monte, Debbie, and families
I was so sorry to learn of Roy’s passing. May God Bless all of you.
Dear Maxine, Deb and Monte,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers.
To Roy’s family: Thank you for sharing him with KDOT family over the years. I feel blessed to have been able to work with him and have such wonderful memories of those times. My thoughts are with you all.